WSU Clark County Extension
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Cutleaf Weeping Birch

Scientific name: Betula pendula 'Laciniata'
Taxonomy
Family:Betulaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:2 to 7
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:80 ft
Width:30 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April
Bloom Color:Green
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Cutleaf Weeping Birch is grown in the landscape for its graceful pendulous branches, white bark and yellow fall leaf coloration.

  Morphology:
This deciduous tree typically grows to height of 80’ and a width of 30’ on the best sites. However on dry sites it may only attain a height of 40’ and a width of 20’. Over time it takes on a narrowly conical shape with weeping branches. Leaves are simple, and arranged in an alternate fashion. Leaf blades are broadly ovate and deeply serrated. The lobes extend to one inch of the mid-rib. While the foliage is green during the summer it takes on a pleasing yellow color in the fall. The branches are characterized as having a warty appearance.

Male flowers consist of cylindrical slender 1”-2” long catkins which form in April. Female flowers are shorter (1”-1.5” long).

Young trees have white peeling bark. Older trees develop a deeply fissured bark that turns black.

  Adaptation:
This species does best on damp ground. Under native sites birch prefers a sunny top and a cool root system.

  Pests:
Bronze Birch Borer is major problem if the tree is exposed to hot dry conditions. In the landscape trees should have a layer of mulch spread around their trunks. Alternatively a perennial ground cover could be established to shade the root system.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234